ROCCA IMPERIALE

On the confines of Basilicata, not too distant from the Pollino
National Park, is where one will come across Rocca
Imperiale, a Medieval centre situated on a hill in
a panoramic position.

History

The suburb arose around the year One Thousand and derives
its name from the fortress built by Frederick II of Swabia,
an imperial fortress, which joined the thousands of Frederican
castles in southern Italy.

Under the Angiò, the suburb was besieged by Carlo II
(1296) and over subsequent centuries was fief of the Oriolo
family, the Princes of Salerno, and the Carafa, Raimondi and
Crivelli families.
In 1644 Rocca Imperiale suffered attack by the Turks, who
set fire to it.

A visit to the City

The centre developed around a hill dominated by the Frederican
Castle and offers good panoramic views. Here, nearby, one
can visit the Assunta Parochial (1239).

Other buildings of interest to visit are the: Sant’Antonio
Church and the Frati Osservanti Monastery, hosting the Cere
(Wax) Musuem.

From Rocca Imperiale, it is easy to step across to visit Basilicata
to visit neighbouring centres or the Heraclea archaeological
site.